Sports fans in Bendigo are set for a triple treat - with the Allan Labor Government securing four blockbuster NBL games in the city and announcing the start of upgrades to both Bendigo Stadium and Bendigo Showgrounds.
Premier Jacinta Allan today joined Melbourne United players and officials to announce the two-time NBL Champions will take on the Cairns Taipans on 7 January and the Brisbane Bullets on 21 January in Bendigo.
The team will also play two games in Bendigo in the 2027 Regular Season and begin a basketball development and community engagement program in the region, which will include school visits and coaching clinics for local primary and secondary school students.
Bendigo local and Melbourne United player Dash Daniels is set to return to his hometown for the games, alongside stars like Chris Goulding and Shea Ili.
The games add to an impressive calendar of major events across Bendigo, including the Australian Diamonds taking on South Africa on 4 October and the recent Frida Kahlo: In her own image exhibition at the Bendigo Art Gallery - which attracted more than 105,000 people to the city, more than 90 per cent of them visitors.
It comes as work starts today on upgrades to both Bendigo Stadium and Bendigo Showgrounds.
Works at Bendigo Stadium will include two new courts, refurbishments to courts 9 and 10, and installation of 200 lux lighting to the 12 outdoor netball courts. Other upgrades include a new backup generator, solar panels, carparking and accessibility improvements. The work won't affect the NBL games due to be played at the venue.
Bendigo Stadium is home to the WNBL Bendigo Spirit, NBL1 Bendigo Braves and the Victorian Netball League's Bendigo Strikers. It is also a thriving hub for basketball, netball and volleyball.
Upgrades to the Bendigo Showgrounds include construction of a new multipurpose pavilion with an event space, improvements to the grass arena, and upgrades to lighting, entrances and fencing.
The Showgrounds is home to the Bendigo Agricultural Show, Australian Sheep and Wool Show, Sunday Markets and National Swap Meet. These upgrades will offer more opportunities for the community and provide local players the facilities to participate all year round.
The start of construction is supporting the local community, creating jobs and backing the local economy. Works at the stadium and showgrounds are expected to finish in late 2026.
Bendigo Stadium and Bendigo Showgrounds are two of three projects in the Bendigo region and two of 16 projects across regional Victoria that are part of the Regional Sports Infrastructure Program, the other project being delivered in Bendigo through the program is upgrades at the Bendigo Bowls Club and Bendigo Croquet Club.
For more information about the Regional Sports Infrastructure Program, visit sport.vic.gov.au/rsip and for details regarding upcoming NBL games, visit nbl.com.au.
As stated by Premier and Member for Bendigo East Jacinta Allan
"These games will attract thousands of fans to Bendigo and showcase our city to an audience from across Australia - making it a win for fans and local businesses."
"These upgrades to the showgrounds and stadium will ensure the community and sports club have world class facilities close to home."
As stated by Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos
"Upgrades to the stadium and showgrounds and four NBL games will be a major boost for local visitor economy and sports fans in Bendigo."
As stated by Member for Bendigo West Maree Edwards
"Having four NBL games here in Bendigo is a massive win for our basketball community who are also set to benefit from upgrades at the stadium."
As stated by Visit Victoria CEO Brendan McClements
"When major events like the NBL come to Bendigo, it provides a big boost for the local economy - because visitors flock to hotels, restaurants, bars and cafes."
